An actress becomes the king's mistress and persuades him to convert the palace to a serviceman's home.
Dorothy Gish
Nell Gwyn
Randle Ayrton
Charles II
Juliette Compton
Lady Castlemaine
Sydney Fairbrother
Mrs. Gwyn
Donald Macardle
Duke of Monmouth
Johnny Butt
Samuel Pepys
Gibb McLaughlin
Duke of York
Judd Green
Toby Clinker
Edward Sorley
Dickon
Forrester Harvey
Charles Hart
Fred Rains
Earl of Shaftesbury
Rolf Leslie
Evelyn
Aubrey Fitzgerald
Tom Killigrew
Tom Coventry
Innkeeper
Booth Conway
Messenger
Dorinea Shirley
Maid
Director, Writer
Herbert Wilcox
Novel
Marjorie Bowen
June 6, 2022
6
This is quite an entertaining romp with Dorothy Gish playing the eponymous orange seller who captivates and captures the heart of King Charles II (Randle Ayrton) much to the chagrin of one of his other "companions" - Juliette Compton ("Lady Castlemaine") and of his ill-fated brother James, Duke of York (Gibb McLaughlin). Some of this borders on the burlesque with an enjoyable, and occasionally provocative, bawdiness from the star that would surely have challenged the censors had it been made just a few years later. Aside from providing this rather rakish King with some pleasures of the flesh, she also proved to be a decent influence on him - and even today, his former palace at Chelsea in west London is still the home for retired soldiers she inspired him to establish. Gish is on great form here, she plays her part with gusto and vigour, tempered with a degree of sensitivity as the plot follows the declining health of her Royal patron. Unfortunately, the remainder of the cast are pretty static, indeed McLaughlin looks like he has been sucking on a lemon for most of his scenes, but the comedy - of which there is plenty - raises a smile as the rivalry between the two women gathers pace. The production is basic, but I rather enjoyed it.
Status:
Released
Original Language:
Budget:
$0.00
Revenue:
$0.00